Hiroichi Tategata's Danceable LIFE Vol.4
Things you notice by “teaching”
Hiroichi Tategata (dancer/choreographer)
I've been teaching jazz dance at a university for about three years now. It all started when I had the opportunity to guest appear as Carabosse in Momoko Tani Ballet's production of "Sleeping Beauty." I never imagined that I would be invited to perform on a classical ballet stage, a full-fledged production that would involve directing and choreographing a former principal of Russia's Kirov Ballet, so I learned a lot.
Because of that connection, I was asked if I would be interested in teaching jazz dance classes at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.
Actually, when I was in my 20s, I taught at a cultural center for a short period of time, but when it comes to university classes, the hurdles are high. I still wanted to dance as an active dancer, so I felt like it was a waste of time. However, it is rare to get such an opportunity. Dancing cannot be preserved as a physical form like paintings or music, so I thought it would be great if I could pass on what I have learned over the years to the younger generation, so I accepted the offer.
The question is, "What should we convey?" I'm not an elite dancer, so I can't use it as a technical example. I think it's fine to take on the challenge since you've invited me, but it takes courage to ``teach'' students.
When I talked to a friend of mine who teaches at a university, he said, ``You don't have to teach. You just need to show how you dance.'' What is required of me is to show how I have approached dance, and I should leave it up to my students to decide how to perceive and master this. I was encouraged by those words and started taking classes.
I started dancing with the hope that people would see me dancing and learn how to express themselves and express their presence through dancing, but before I knew it, three years had passed. I had no experience as a teacher, and teaching classes while also being on stage was a challenge, so I thought I would want to quit right away.
Apparently, I didn't hate teaching.
I don't think it's taught well and sometimes I find it troublesome. However, I feel happy and endearing to see my students grow step by step. It was surprising even to me.
This spring, we will have our first graduates. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they do in the outside world.
Just like when I was forced to leave the stage due to an injury, I don't know what will happen in this world. No matter how prepared you are, when it doesn't work, it doesn't work. I try to take everything positively and try to do as much as I can.
Photography cooperation: Don Giovanni
https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131705/13154500/
